If you are thinking about taking up woodworking as a hobby than let me tell you that you are about to get enjoyment for years to come.
Woodworking is one of those hobbies that you will never know it all.
You will be learning about woods and tools and techniques throughout your whole life.
When choosing woodwork projects you must take into account your knowledge of the tools you will using.
Safety is key.
You should make sure that all the guards are in place and in proper working order.
If you haven't used a tool before that will be required in this project than read up or watch videos on proper technique.
Also of importance is the wood that you will be working with.
You need to know a few things about it so that you will not ruin your project.
Every type of wood has its own unique characteristics.
Some are hard and some are soft.
Some are easy to cut against the grain and some will break.
It is a good idea to study the wood type that your projects calls for.
It will save you a lot of time and money.
You don't want to almost be finished and take too much off one side and see the whole board warp.
Another key that isn't brought up enough is after you have chosen you woodworking project to look at the quality of the plans.
A good woodworking plan will include a lot of information.
Such as, how much wood, which tools you will need, and how many clamps.
It should be specific and be easy to understand with multiple views.
There is nothing worse than getting almost done with a project and gluing it only to find out that you don't have enough clamps.
My next piece of advice may sound stupid but it does make a difference.
When you are choosing what to make, make sure that your skill level is up to the challenge.
Also, try to choose something that you really want to create.
Sometimes when the going gets tough if we never were that enthused about the project we can either skip it or do it poorly.
When you really want the piece to show off to your friends and family you will go that extra inch to make it right, and by doing so you will increase your knowledge and skill level.
Don't shy away from something that you think might be too difficult however.
If you take your time and plan it out you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
This key is something that is so important it can't be emphasized enough.
I touched on it earlier but this is more detail.
The quality of your woodworking plans must be specific and thorough.
It makes the difference in so many ways.
Don't just grab a magazine and expect to get all of the information that you need.
Even books can be short on views or shortcuts.
Having pictures and videos of the project makes it so easy that you will never mess up.
My final key is that this is going to take time.
There is no hurrying in woodworking.
You can't push the wood past its own characteristics like steel or plastic.
It will warp or break or crack if you do.
A lot of projects require gluing over night or even soaking overnight.
Time is something you have to learn to deal with as it is part of the woodworking hobby.
The other thing is that most woodwork projects end with varnishing or painting anyhow.
So you will be doing some sanding or touch ups to make it just right.
It just takes time.
I think I have covered the main key ingredients to putting yourself in a position of succeeding.
Just remember to study your woodworking plans, make sure you buy enough wood and maybe a little extra, and have all of the proper tools that are required by the plans.
I can't think of a more enjoyable hobby than woodworking and I think you will agree with me over time.